When I reflect on all the exciting things happening with the podcast, not only am I incredibly grateful, but it's also really fun to look back at how it all started. So in this episode, I'm re-listening to my first handful of episodes and asking myself, "Do they still hold up?!" I thought before listening that I had a pretty good idea of what I said in these early episodes, but I actually kind of surprised myself sometimes!

Listen in as I share the details on what has stood the test of time… and what I have a new way of thinking about. Here's a preview:

Stood the test of time:

• 3 important things for your Instagram
• Email signature
• Directing people to a contact form on your website
• Getting a Google Business Profile
• Instagram caption ideas & social media schedulers
• Automation ideas & endorsement for 17hats CRM
• Profit First cash flow system

I have a new way of thinking about:

• Some of the resources I created and mentioned in the early episodes
• Business email accounts
• Importance of styled shoots
• Watermarking photos

I also share my episode plan for the year, in case you're curious!

And in the UGlu Hotline, hear a tip for transporting framework in a personal vehicle.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

Other sponsors & resources:

Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)

Courtney Lynette Creative Co

2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner

UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)

Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514

Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit

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50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list

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@thebrightballoon

The Bright Balloon on YouTube

In our final curated interview from TUFTEX, I made a new friend in Angharad (AKA Annie) of Angharad's Party Art in the UK. I loved hearing about the similarities and differences we experience across the world!

She tells us how when she started her business, she faced a very familiar issue that we do in the states - childcare. She continues to adapt her business based on her family needs today, too, and I really appreciated her openness on this topic.

After that, we hear about her unique style, plus new types of events and trends she's seeing… and what's coming back into style! Then of course we chat about her time at the TUFTEX Experience in 2024, and how she'll be a part of it again this year.

What a fun conversation this was, and I'm so happy to have made a new friend.

Then in the UGlu Hotline, hear a tip for marketing while participating in a parade.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

Curated Month by: TUFTEX | TUFTEX Experience Tickets

Angharad's Party Art

Other sponsors & resources:

Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)

Balloon Suite

2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner

UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)

Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514

Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit

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50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list

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@thebrightballoon

The Bright Balloon on YouTube

In another episode curated by TUFTEX, I'm chatting with Dolly & Eddie of Delloons again! Since our last conversation with them, they've had another baby and moved into a boutique retail space… so needless to say, there's a lot to catch up on and I appreciated their honesty and openness. And don't miss a bit of behind the scenes info from them about the TUFTEX Experience!

We talk about why they decided to move into the boutique, how it happened so quickly and what financial impacts they considered in the process. I always have a ton of questions about retail, so I also ask about taking payments, walk-in traffic and what exactly they plan to sell there. They gave us the scoop on those things, but also insurance, utilities and profit margins.

Then we dive into what it's like to be a part of the TUFTEX Color Crew, and hear more about how they'll be involved in the TUFTEX Experience this year. It was another fun conversation with these two!

And in the UGlu Hotline, hear a really cool resource for getting started with implementing Profit First methods.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

Curated Month by: TUFTEX | TUFTEX Experience Tickets

@delloons

Other sponsors & resources:

Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)

Balloon Suite

2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner

UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)

Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514

Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit

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50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list

Freeform Freedom | More courses

@thebrightballoon

The Bright Balloon on YouTube

In another episode curated by TUFTEX, I'm chatting with Tiffany of Confetti Castle about the thrill and challenges of being tasked with large installations for large events. We talk about getting the jobs, staffing them, troubleshooting, logistics and more. She also tells us about how she's planning the decor for the TUFTEX Experience and how YOU can be a part of it!

More key points of our conversation included building relationships, building your mindset so that you don't get overwhelmed by big jobs and what kinds of actual items can be sold to make up a $10,000 job, for example.

Speaking of pricing, I also ask Tiffany about her proposal process. Hear how she takes the offensive in terms of decor choices, plus some great tips for managing logistics and properly staffing events when there are multiple going on at the same time.

We closed up the conversation by talking about the TUFTEX Experience, and I got even more excited to go than I already was! Hear what kinds of very cool things happen there, her hint at this year's theme, which instructors she can't wait to hear from and her biggest tips for maximizing your experience!

Then in the UGlu Hotline, hear about a way to decrease the risk of damage to your marquees.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

Curated Month by: TUFTEX | TUFTEX Experience Tickets

Related episode: 267. Starting a mastermind

theconfetticastle.com | @confetticastle

Other sponsors & resources:

Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)

Balloon Suite

2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner

UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)

Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514

Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit

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50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list

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@thebrightballoon

The Bright Balloon on YouTube

Kicking off this curated month by TUFTEX, I'm chatting once again with Allison, the owner of TUFTEX! She's giving us a ton of behind the scenes info on their new products, plus where and how they've expanded since she last came on the podcast.

First, I asked her to walk us through their acquisition of a balloon factory in Canada. I really appreciated her honesty about the learning curve that was involved, and it was fascinating to hear how the acquisition required not just latex recipe updates, but process updates more than anything. She'll also tell us how the changes have impacted their marketing strategy and how she hopes will impact their reach.

Then, I was so thrilled that Allison spilled the beans about some items we can expect soon: TUFTEX Effects and Links! Plus, she drops info on TUFTEX Tuesdays, Hip Hopping in Houston in March and of course the TUFTEX Experience in July! I learned a ton and am very excited about what I heard in this conversation… I'm guessing you will be, too!

Then in the UGlu Hotline, hear a tip for using water weights.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

Curated Month by: TUFTEX | Events

Related Episode: 164 - Making an impact with color | Allison of Tuftex

Other sponsors & resources:

Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)

Balloon Suite

2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner

UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)

Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514

Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit

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50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list

Freeform Freedom | More courses

@thebrightballoon

The Bright Balloon on YouTube

This episode is a list of wins people had from tips in the podcast interviews! I'm so grateful to the guests who shared those tips & congrats to everyone who put them to use & saw growth because of it!

Episodes are listed below and are easily searchable at thebrightballoon.com/episodes! I also share what's in store for the podcast in 2025!

In the UGlu Hotline, hear how one listener makes signs for her vehicle that communicate loading info.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

Balloon Suite

Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT) | Twist Fest

UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party)

Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514

2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner

Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit

I booked a 100K job! (bonus episode)

101 - Pumpkin Planning Your Balloon Business

251 - Wowlloons

201 - Confetti Castle

100 - Treb

Episodes w/ Creative Heart Studio

265 - Presley Paige

271 - Zac

157 - Banzi Balloons

245 - Clik-Clik

257 - Balloon Coach

180 - Designs by Jo Jo's Creations

164 - Tuftex

253 - Blush Balloon Party Shop

214 - LaMarvelous Balloons

131 - Extra Betty

147 - Partistry Balloons

146 - Balloons by Misti

176 - Balloons by Tommy

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@thebrightballoon

The Bright Balloon on YouTube

Since recording this episode, I've had the pleasure of hanging out with Tiffany at Balloon Boss Summit and seeing her LED Marquees in action. Wow, are they cool! Listen in as we chat about this very neat option you may consider adding to your inventory.

Tiffany tells us how her marquees were designed to give a different vibe than the traditional incandescent marquees, as she looked to stand out in "Neon Nashville". Hear more about what they knew they needed in the design and how they had balloon artists in mind all along. You'll also hear about how she's operating her own service-based business with these marquees, which makes it easy for her to understand our needs.

Then she tells us about the licensing model they chose over franchising and wholesaling, because they wanted their marquees to be a symbol of quality service. Hear more about the kinds of assets you receive upon licensing, the territory protection and what it's like to become part of the "Neon Nation" family.

Then in the UGlu Hotline, there's a tip for a really creative way to improve the reviews you get from your customers!

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

Balloon Suite

Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT) | Twist Fest

UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)

Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514

PremiumConwin

NOW AVAILABLE! 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner

ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT)

Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit

Open an LED Marquee location

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50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list

Freeform Freedom | More courses

@thebrightballoon

The Bright Balloon on YouTube

Edward is one of the kindest and most talented people I have ever met. In this episode he shares his inspiring story of bringing his balloon business to the U.S. from Venezuela, and all of the challenges he faced in the process. He's very generous with the techniques he shares on Instagram and I know everyone will have something to learn from listening to him.

You'll hear about:

• His strategy for competitions
• How winning one competition earned him a big opportunity
• How he's juggling his full-time work for burton + Burton with his own business
• Why he only goes after big & unique jobs
• What he's discovered about working with corporate clients
• How he mixes classic and organic styles

Some other things that were fascinating to hear was how he paid for college with his balloon income, moved across the country with three days' notice, learned English and became a citizen. What an inspiring conversation it was!

And in the UGlu Hotline, I answer a question about the best way to remove UGlu Dashes, and where I do and do not use them.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

Balloon Suite

Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT) | Twist Fest

UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)

Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514

PremiumConwin

NOW AVAILABLE! 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner

ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT)

Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit

@edward_munoz

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50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list

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@thebrightballoon

The Bright Balloon on YouTube

Sue was one of the first people in the balloon industry that I learned from online when I started. In fact, I would bet that you've come across some of her content, too! I loved the chance to pick her brain on all the things she's experienced in the industry, plus learn about BAPIA, a membership she runs that is available in the UK, and that I wish was available in the US!

Hear how participating in a competition in Paris helped her hone her skills, gain confidence and get selected as an instructor, which she feels was her calling. She also tells us about how her blog helped her share even more helpful information on a larger scale. It's got hundreds of topics including pricing, business basics and more.

We also chat about her involvement in the CBA, design elements and principles, classic and organic and why formulas matter for each style. Then we dive into BAPIA (The Balloon & Party Industry Alliance). If you're not already familiar, you've got to hear about all of the incredible features of this membership!

We wrap things up talking about all the recent changes in our industry and her take on its causes and results. What an absolute pleasure it was to interview Sue!

Then in the UGlu Hotline, I answer a question about my most successful form of marketing.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

Balloon Suite

Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT) | Twist Fest

UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)

Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514

PremiumConwin

NOW AVAILABLE! 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner

ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT)

Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit

BAPIA | The Very Best Balloon Blog | @suebowler

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@thebrightballoon

The Bright Balloon on YouTube

This episode is perhaps one of my favorite interviews of the year! I chat with Yanira of Perfectly Wrapped Balloons about how having systems and good record keeping for your company really helps in case of a sale or big transition. Yanira moved her business into a new area, several states away from her previous home and walks us through how she negotiated the sale of her client list and essentially restarted her business.

What I didn't expect to hear was all of the businesses she had even before moving Perfectly Wrapped Balloons! Hear about all of the things she's done, the cities she's worked in, some hiccups she's experienced and how she found her way in the balloon industry.

I also ask her to share about

• How her family transformed their garage into a studio
• What her sales were like before moving her company
• What contributed most to her sales
• Why it was an easy decision to move
• What they looked for in a property when moving

Then we dive into the sale of her business and it was fascinating! Hear about the terms that were set, whether she worked with a lawyer, what kind of person she wanted to sell to and of course, how her organized systems made a huge difference to the sale.

She also shares what her first steps were after the move and how she started networking again. And now, she feels like she's beginning to earn referrals at the same pace she did before moving.

Huge congrats to Yanira for this accomplishment! She shared so many insightful things about this process.

And in the UGlu Hotline, I answer a question about what it's like having to transition out of Qualatex colors.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)

Balloon Suite

Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)

UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)

Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514

PremiumConwin

NEW! 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner

ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT)

ballooncoach.com | Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit

Let Nicole Help | @letnicolehelp

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50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list

Freeform Freedom | More courses

@thebrightballoon

The Bright Balloon on YouTube